Chapter 574

"Who are you looking for?" Brandon asked, frowning.

The car slowly pulled into the yard and parked. Even before entering the house, pleasant conversation, punctuated by occasional chuckles, drifted from the living room.

Upon entering, Arianna was startled to see her mother, Eloise, sitting on the sofa with Brittany. After a moment's hesitation, Arianna removed her shoes and approached with a smile. "Mom, I'm home! I didn't know Brittany was here!"

Her greeting to Brittany was warm and unaffected, as if no discord existed between them.

Eloise smiled and nodded. "Brittany's been here a while. She was just chatting with me. She's such a wonderful girl. Look at you—God knows what you're doing all day that you don't even have time to talk to your own mother."

"I've been swamped with everything going on at the company lately. You know how busy Uncle Derrick's been. I'm just trying to help ease his burden!" she said playfully.

"Yeah, yeah, you're the only capable one here!" Eloise teased, rising. "Now that you're here, entertain Brittany while I prepare some desserts for you both."

"Thanks, Mom!" Arianna leaned over to kiss Eloise's cheek before sitting and turning to Brittany with a smile. "Why didn't you call if you were free?"

Brittany chuckled, taking a sip of tea. "If I had, would you have welcomed me?"

Arianna's eyes narrowed slightly, but her smile remained. "What are you talking about? Of course I would. It would be great if you could come over every day!"

"Really?" Brittany slowly set down her cup and looked at Arianna. "It's a pity, then, because I'm afraid I won't be able to come again."

"Huh? Why not?"

Arianna's genuine surprise and disbelief were evident. It was as if she knew nothing of Brittany's impending departure. Witnessing this, Brittany was reminded of Brandon's words and his assessment of Arianna's naivete. The friend she thought she knew was not as genuine as she'd believed.

"Do you really have no idea?" Brittany tilted her head, fingers lightly tracing the arm of the chair. "I'm going abroad in two days, and I may not be coming back."

"You're not coming back? Why? Where are you going? What's with the sudden decision?" Arianna's questions tumbled out, her worry apparent.

Brittany responded with a mocking laugh. "Shouldn't you ask if I succeeded that day and what happened afterward? Aren't you curious about any good news?"

Arianna's anxiety eased slightly. "I was just about to get to that. What happened the other day? Why were you with your brother? Did he ruin your plans? It's okay, don't be too discouraged. There's always another chance!"